A royal gathering in the gardens

The sun shone brightly over the landscape as Denise's sleek black SUV wound its way up the serpentine mountain road. Inside, the princess sat rigidly in the back seat, her eyes fixed on the tablet in her lap, scanning the latest news updates.

Any news about explosions or fires? We have to find out what Vincent got up to,” Jasmine asked from beside her, stifling a yawn.

Denise shook her head, her brow furrowed. "Nothing concrete. The palace is keeping things tightly under wraps if anything happened."

As they approached the border crossing into Eldoria, Denise felt her anxiety spike. The heavily armed guards at the checkpoint seemed more alert than usual, their faces grim in the harsh floodlights.

"Papers, please," a stern-faced officer requested as their vehicle pulled to a stop.

Denise handed over their diplomatic passports, forcing a calm smile. "We're expected at the palace for tea with Queen Eleanor," she explained smoothly.